USApple Board Meets with Agriculture Secretary to Discuss Trade, Ag Labor

March 21, 2024 USApple

The U.S. Apple Association’s Board of Directors met this morning with the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, and key members of his senior leadership team at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Discussion of market access, agriculture labor, and renewal of the farm bill were on the agenda.

NGA Outlines 2023 Farm Bill Priorities for Independent Grocers

The National Grocers Association (NGA), the trade association representing the independent sector of the food retail and distribution industry, sent a letter outlining its 2023 Farm Bill priorities to the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, and U.S. House Committee on Agriculture.

SAF Legislative Priorities Enacted Into Law

The $867 billion Farm Bill approved by Congress on Dec. 12 includes an update to the U.S. Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA) that will protect and encourage floriculture innovation. The bill also strengthens the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) and includes provisions that encourage more data-based analysis in pesticide registration decisions.

IDFA Commends Ag Committee Leaders for Farm Bill that Improves Dairy Risk Management, Boosts Milk Consumption

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) commended House and Senate Agriculture Committee leaders for releasing the 2018 Farm Bill, which would allow greater access to risk management tools for dairy foods companies and farmers to address price fluctuations.

Bakers: Lawmakers Missed Opportunity for Reforms in Farm Bill

December 18, 2018 American Bakers Association

“Members of Congress missed a great opportunity to make reasonable reforms to outdated commodity programs in the 2018 Farm Bill. Unfortunately, the legislation prolongs protections for big sugar’s special interest that continue to force bakers and consumers to pay inflated prices for one of foods’ most perverse ingredients.” said Robb MacKie, ABA President and CEO.